BMW 520e

Plug-in hybridgrand tourerGENERATION G30, 2021

204 hp, 53 km electric range, 7,9 s 0-100 : among the 43 grand tourers plug-in hybrid 2019–2023, the 520e ranks 5th of 15 in Electric WLTP range, 34th of 43 in Combined range, 6th of 15 in Thermal cons. estimated, 39th of 43 in 0–100 km/h. Here is what the Caralogy simulations say.

Power
204 hp
350 Nm, dont 109 hp elec
0 → 100 km/h
7.9 s
VMax 225 km/h
Total range
825 km
of which 53 km elec
Battery + Tank
11.2 kWh
+ 46 L tank

Full specifications

Manufacturer data. Consumption and range estimated from the WLTP cycle; performance simulated by the Caralogy physics engine.

Powertrain

Architecture
4 cyl.
Displacement
1,998 cm³
Puissance électrique
109 hp
Combined power
204 hp
Couple
350 Nm
Gearbox
Convertisseur de couple 8 rapports Automatique
Transmission
Propulsion

Battery and charging

Battery capacity
11.2 kWh
Range WLTP
53 km
Charge AC max
3.7 kW
Conso élec WLTP
21.1 kWh/100 km
Petrol cons. WLTP
1.9 L/100 km
Conso thermique
6.0 L/100 km
Tank
46 L
EV range motorway
42 km
Total range motorway
825 km

Performance

0 → 100 km/h
7,9 s
VMax
225 km/h

Dimensions and environment

Length
4,963 mm
Wheelbase
2,975 mm
Width
1,868 mm
Height
1,483 mm
Boot
410 L
Kerb weight
1,835 kg
Cd
0.24
CO₂ WLTP
43 g/km

Caralogy Methodology

Performance (0-100, top speed) simulated by the Caralogy physics engine (SCx, Crr, real torque curves). Motorway consumption values estimated from the manufacturer WLTP cycle.

See full methodology

Manufacturer data · WLTP-estimated consumption · Caralogy-simulated performance

Among the 43 grand tourers plug-in hybrid, the 520e combines two vehicles in one: an electric sedan for urban use (top 5 in segment), a petrol tourer for long distances. Caralogy puts the 520e through its paces: motorway simulation, consumption simulation and performance simulation.

Tailored to this vehicle?

Caralogy Verdict
Suitable for

grand tourer plug-in hybrid among the best in segment: 5th of 15 in Electric WLTP range (53 km).

Less suitable for

Very long trips without stopping. With 825 km combined range, expect more frequent refuelling than other PHEVs in the segment.

Alternatives to consider

If the priority is Electric WLTP range, the BMW 530e (1st with 62 km) takes the lead. If the priority is Combined range, the BMW 520d (1st with 1535 km) takes the lead.

In the city: 53 km pure electric (top 5 in segment)

With a full battery, the 520e drives in pure electric mode for the first 53 km WLTP - placing it 5th of 15 in Electric WLTP range, behind the BMW 530e (62 km). In urban and peri-urban use, the 520e behaves like a pure electric sedan in its segment.

Where the 520e stands against grand tourers plug-in hybrid

Comparison across 43 grand tourers plug-in hybrid marketed between 2019–2023.
Electric WLTP range5e / 15
53 km
Min 47 km · BMW 545e xDriveMax 62 km · BMW 530e
Combined range34e / 43
825 km
Min 55 km · DS9 E-Tense 250Max 1 535 km · BMW 520d
Thermal cons. estimated6e / 15
5.96 L/100
Min 7.05 L/100 · BMW 530e xDriveMax 5.71 L/100 · BMW 530e
0–100 km/h39e / 43
7,9 s
Min 8,3 s · BMW 520i TouringMax 4,6 s · BMW 540d xDrive

Direct rivals (same segment, same energy)

Cross-energy alternatives

Same needs, different powertrain.

The full BMW 5 Series G30 range

Generation G30 launched in 2017. Available versions sorted by energy.

Other versions of the G30

Popular duels involving the 520e

Continue with the BMW 520e

The same car, from other angles.

BMW 520e: what you need to know

Well-argued answers to the most asked questions about this model, based on Caralogy data and simulations.

Where does the 520e rank in its segment?

Among the 43 grand tourers plug-in hybrid 2019–2023, the 520e ranks 5th of 15 in Electric WLTP range (53 km, behind the BMW 530e), 34th of 43 in Combined range (825 km, behind the BMW 520d), 6th of 15 in Thermal cons. estimated (6.0 L/100, behind the BMW 530e), 39th of 43 in 0–100 km/h (7.9 s, behind the BMW 540d xDrive).

What is the électrique range of the 520e?

53 km WLTP announced - making it the 5th of 15 in autonomie du segment out of 15 models. The reference is the BMW 530e (62 km).

How much does the 520e cost to run?

Running costs depend on your profile (mileage, charging type, city/highway mix). Use the Caralogy consumption simulator for a personalised estimate.

Why not a BMW 530e instead?

The BMW 530e leads in Electric WLTP range (62 km vs 53 km). The choice depends on your priorities: check the 520e vs BMW 530e duel for a detailed comparison.

How does Caralogy calculate its figures?

Caralogy does not reproduce manufacturer figures: we recalculate every number through physics simulation, starting from SCx, mass and the power curve. This is why our figures at 130 km/h differ from WLTP. Full methodology on the dedicated page.